| If you decide to have your HVAC system cleaned, it | | | | claims on the adverse effects of "not" cleaning your |
| is important that the air duct cleaning services you | | | | HVAC system, and who is consistent in |
| are inquiring is qualified to do so, so you can enjoy a | | | | recommending that cleaning your system should be a |
| safe indoor air. | | | | routine. |
| Indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern in | | | | · DO NOT allow treatments-especially chemical |
| the United States. Many companies, marketing | | | | biocides-unless you are briefed by the cleaning |
| products and HVAC duct cleaning services intend to | | | | service. |
| improve this need. Its growing campaign can be seen | | | | · CHECK REFERENCES if previous customers |
| in mass media (newspapers, magazines, TV, radio) | | | | were satisfied with the service and did not |
| and the Internet to disseminate information on the | | | | experience any problems with their HVAC systems |
| importance of cleaning air ducts or HVACs. | | | | after cleaning. |
| Cleaning products can be used to clean air ducts - at | | | | · Contact your local office of consumer affairs |
| a very minimum cost. But you should consider hiring | | | | or Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints |
| air duct cleaning services if there are substantial and | | | | have been raised against the companies you are |
| visible growth of mold inside the ducts or other | | | | considering hiring. |
| components of your heating and cooling system; if | | | | · Interview potential service providers to ensure |
| there are infestations of rodents or insects; and if | | | | that they are experienced with different types of |
| the ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of | | | | HVAC systems; that they use procedures to protect |
| dust debris or particles. | | | | you, your pets, your family and your home from |
| Duct cleaning refers to the "cleaning" of various | | | | contamination; and if they comply with NADCA air |
| heating and cooling air system inside your house: air | | | | duct cleaning standards or NAIMA recommendations |
| conditioning, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, | | | | (if your ducts are constructed or insulated internally |
| heating and cooling coils - and cleaning it, intensively, | | | | of fiber glass). |
| will range (not mostly) up to $1,000. But this amount | | | | · Ask the cleaning service company if they have |
| depends on the service offered, system accessibility, | | | | state licenses. |
| the size of the system to be cleaned, level of | | | | · If the cleaning company charges by the hour, |
| contamination, and depending on the type of air duct | | | | request an estimate of the number of hours or days |
| cleaning service you are hiring. | | | | the job will take including potential interruptions during |
| Choosing Your Home Air Duct Cleaning Provider | | | | work. Be certain that the cleaning company you are |
| Checklist | | | | inquiring will provide a written agreement outlining the |
| Talk to, at least, three cleaning service companies | | | | total of the work before it begins. |
| and secure written estimates. When they come to | | | | Duct cleaning is good for your home and air duct |
| your home, show them your system and ask | | | | cleaning companies is a good source of advice so ask |
| justification of your air duct contamination. | | | | questions and insist on complete and knowledgeable |
| · DO NOT hire air duct cleaners who make | | | | answers. |